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Monaco-Toulouse – 1

The Ligue 1 champions begin their title defence on Friday night having had a predictably busy summer. Always likely to be stripped of some prized assets, Jardim has managed to retain the services of the likes of Fabinho, Lemar and Mbappe for now.

Some strong signings have been made though, and the hosts comfortably have the quality to get off to a winning start. Monaco dropped just 4 points at home all season last time out and while Toulouse are often tough to beat, they won just twice away.

Sunderland-Derby – X/2

It speaks volumes that a relegated side are so unfancied to regain their top-flight status at the first time of asking, with the odds placing Sunderland in mid-table. It’s certainly been a difficult build up to the season for new boss Simon Grays on,  who has a tough task on his hands.

All is not well in the Black Cats camp and their visitors should be backed to exploit that. With a full pre-season to work with his squad, Gary Rowett’s Derby should be in the promotion mix up, starting with a strong result on Friday.

Celtic-Hearts – 1

Having recently parted ways with manager Ian Cathro, Hearts’ timing could have been better just days before the new season begins. The former Newcastle assistant endured a torrid spell in charge but if the club were hoping for an immediate response a game at Parkhead is the last thing they need.

Rodgers’ men went unbeaten throughout the previous campaign and should start this with a handsome victory.

Ipswich-Birmingham – 1/X/2

Most of the Championship openers are pretty tough to predict given the competitiveness of the league and Ipswich-Birmingham is near impossible to call. It will likely be low scoring and tight, so a draw could be on the cards.

McCarthy is still at the hot seat at Portman Road, still working on a shoestring budget and still inspiring uninspiring performances. Redknapp, meanwhile, should guide Birmingham to a far better finish after a strong transfer window but Ipswich, while dull, are no mugs at home, losing just 5 times at Portman Road last season.

QPR-Reading – X/2

Beaten play-off finalists in May, the odds suggest many feel that Reading have blown their best shot at promotion. Jaap Stam won’t mind his side being a dark horse once again though, while QPR are still tipped to struggle.

32 points separated these two sides last season, and while that may be tighter this time around, The Royals are still the stronger by some distance.

Borussia Dortmund-Bayern – 1/2

We rarely have to wait long for the first Klassiker of the campaign, with 4 of the last 5 German Super Cups competed between Dortmund and Bayern. The two haven’t drawn in that time, or in their last 4 meetings in total.

Neither side will want the game to drag on ahead of the upcoming campaign following a demanding pre-season, so a stalemate seems unlikely.

Arsenal-Chelsea – 2

The pre-cursor to the Premier League campaign, while the Community Shield is often ridiculed as a meaningless occasion, there’s a chance for revenge this time around. The Blues were denied the league and cup double in May and will want to send out a statement that they are still a cut above.

All eyes will be on the marquee signings for either team, with Lacazette and Morata aiming to impress. The two teams have met already on their pre-season tours, with Chelsea winning 3-0 courtesy of a Michy Batshuayi brace. The Belgian could prove an unlikely match winner once more.

Bolton-Leeds – 2

Newly-promoted Bolton begin their campaign with the visit of Leeds, who will be keen to put a nightmare end to the previous season behind them and get off to a strong start. Wanderers represent a tricky first opponent though, not only as something of an unknown entity but as a team that were extremely well organised last time out.

Under new management once again, the key to the visitors’ success will once again be getting the service to top scorer Chris Wood. He could be the difference on Sunday.

Martin is the content manager for WhoScored.com

You can follow more of his tips on Twitter @WSTipster